I have discovered three 'new' art galleries recently, one in Zejtun, another in St Julian's and a third in front of the carpark in Sliema. The more art galleries there are the better as the number of artists seems to be growing fast even if the quality of the art fluctuates, and they need somewhere to exhibit their creations.

 Today, as far as art is concerned there seems to be nothing to go by and anything will do. Who dares to say 'boo' to anything claiming to be 'art ahead of it's time.' ?

I have also observed that at least on two occasions, there were no speeches before the exhibition was launched. Sometimes, speeches are long and convoluted and those present are happy not to have to stand listening to them, especially after a long day's work.

I was at Bizzilla Art Space recently for the launch of Ivan Grixti's art exhibition Wounds. I had read about it in The Malta Independent (this newspaper!)  and since I had been invited decided to go and see what it was all about.

An art exhibition has to first of all stimulate the eye and this exhibition certainly did.  All the paintings stood out in relief. There is an attractive tactile quality about them. The exhibition area was dim lit which seemed appropriate. These were not 'Jolly' paintings and the colours the artist used were sobre. Both the title of the exhibition and the colours of the paintings were appropriate for this time of the liturgical year. I have no idea whether Ivan Grixti planned this or whether it was sheer coincidence.

The paintings immediately conveyed to me an air of sobriety.

This was not purely abstract art which can certainly be challenging to write about. As you walk into the gallery the paintings stop you in your tracks. I had to look at each and every one of them. I knew that Ivan had used thick fibreboard which he had 'wounded' with a chisel to create these paintings. Apart from paint the artist used gesso and glue to achieve the effect he was aiming at.

Abstract art can certainly be challenging to write about - it asks for interpretation as it doesn't present straightforward narratives. Quite frankly I can stand and look at a piece of abstract art for hours and still find nothing to say about it. Or rather find that it has nothing to say to me. Not that I ever stand infront of anything for hours...
The exhibition Wounds - The Layers Within is rich with depth, touching on themes like beauty in imperfection, vulnerability, healing, and transformation.

Ivan Grixti's deliberate "wounding" of surfaces and his use of techniques like plaster and colour echo psychological and spiritual healing - how scars, whether physical or emotional, can carry beauty and wisdom.

Additionally, the Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi" or "kintsugi" are a fascinating angle. The idea that brokenness can be redeemed and even elevated into something valuable is both compelling and universal. Ivan used this idea in this exhibition. This innovative use of materials and processes, I found fascinating.

The abstract nature of the exhibition invites viewers to bring their own experiences and interpretations, rather than imposing a definitive message.

Abstract art is an interesting realm of creativity. It doesn't aim to represent the visible world directly but instead uses shapes, colours, forms, and lines to evoke emotions, ideas, or concepts. Ivan's paintings are non representational and therefore can be classed as abstract art, I suppose, and are subject to interpretation.

What one person sees/feels in an abstract piece might be entirely different from another's perspective. We all carry our baggage with us, after all.

Abstract art often challenges us to see beyond the surface. Those "dabs of paint" might express emotions, ideas, or a moment in time. They invite the viewer to find their own meaning or simply experience the raw aesthetic.

Art, in any form, tends to provoke thought or evoke emotion. If abstract pieces make you wonder, feel, or even question their value, they're achieving their purpose.

I am both intrigued and sceptical about abstract art. I have to admit that some feels like it is teetheering on the edge of nonsense. I have a feeling that there are art critics who really do not always understand it themselves, but pretend they do, nor do they, perhaps always understand what they are writing.

When you see a canvas with a single stripe or seemingly random splashes, it's easy to wonder, "How is this any different from what a child might do?" Yet many works of art of this nature are sold for millions at auction.

Not every abstract artwork will resonate with everyone. Art is deeply subjective, and just because something is hanging in a gallery doesn't mean it's inherently "good" or universally meaningful.

I like the ones that catch my eye. It could be the colours, the movement, or even just the mood they evoke. Sometimes finding that one piece that speaks to you can open the door to appreciating the rest - or it might just confirm your scepticism, which is valid too.

Japanese philosophy embraces imperfection. Imperfection is not a flaw, it's a feature. What we often rush to fix or hide might be the very thing that makes something or someone beautiful. Look at some of our niches which have been ruined by over restoration. They looked so much more authentic when they shone less and the colours were weathered. Now, that they have lost the patina of age, I don't love them so much. Let's not rush to fix or hide.

 Ivan has understood this. He has certainly taught me a lesson. There's a kind of  beauty that exists in the unpolished.

Speaking to Ivan offers a fascinating chance to understand the nature of his practice and the innovation of his process. He has managed to create certain sensations in the viewers with his punctuated paintings.

Art has the ability to transport us to unchartered territories of feelings and to return us to the familiar in a single second. Some pictures have the ability to do just that.

I asked Lisa Galea, who curated the exhibition and has been intimately associated with it for a comment. Here it is: "Wounds - the layers within; is an exhibition of abstract works driven by a deep sense of faith. It gives a positive message to those who may be having a hard time finding beauty in themselves or their life. In art pain is seldom depicted as very realistic, very few examples in art beautify pain, Ivan does just that with beautiful sculptural abstract works. It is ideal for people to meet the artist himself and listen to what he has to say. He is on Facebook."

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The exhibition Wounds- the layers within runs to 29th April at Bizilla Art Space, Mapfre MSV Life Triq il-Mall, Floriana. It can be viewed from Monday - Thursday between 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 3pm. Meet the artist dates will be published on the artist's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kontempartgallery